Killian’s cycle safety device takes top prize

A Mullingar student took a top award at PExpo 23 in DCU, on Wednesday, March 31. A bike safety system developed by Killian McGrath of Delvin, a TY student at Coláiste Mhuire, took the senior prize in the ICT category. He also won the Sport in Business award, which could see his device taken up commercially.

PExpo, developed in association with the Physical Education Association of Ireland, aims is to promote a better understanding of PE, sport, fitness and health among second level school students.

For the exhibition, similar the Young Scientists format, students are invited to submit projects under one of nine headings, including the power of sport, technology in sport, wellbeing, components of fitness, nutrition, games development, psychology, and two categories linked to the physical education curriculum for the Leaving Certificate.

As well as the Physical Education Association of Ireland, and ‘Dare to Believe’ other supporters of PExpo ‘23 include Sport Ireland, Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing, South Dublin County Sport Partnership and DCU Sport. Speaking on his project, Killian, said he has been committed to it since last summer. “It has been enjoyable. Whenever I had a bit of spare time during lunch breaks, after school or in the evening I was working on it. There was a lot of time devoted to it,” he said. The 16-year-old said that the device is attached to a bike and helping to improve safety for the cyclist and give them greater reassurance on the road.

There is a both a safety alert system and a device that alerts someone in the case of an accident. A technology called narrowband is used, which is essentially a wireless internet, powered by a pre-charged battery.

“It has over 99% coverage in Ireland – a little similar to satellite technology,” he said.

If the cyclist were to have an accident, a 30-second countdown would ensue before someone is alerted to the scene via Google maps, with GPS coordinates provided. The cyclist predetermines who will receive the message – it could be their parents, for example.

“That’s where the idea came from as my parents would be reluctant to allow me out cycling,” he said.

There is also a rear-mounted camera on the bicycle, able to detect vehicles behind the cyclist, be it lorries or electric vehicles, which of course travel very silently.

A screen is fitted to the handle bars allowing the cyclist to view an alert message. “There are benefits to young people and to elderly cyclists,” he said.

While it currently runs off a battery, there is an option to have a solar panel in the future and maybe a hybrid system which charges as you cycle.

“It’s in its infancy and the plan is to keep working on it and developing it further,” said Killian.

Killian was accompanied by his father, John McGrath, when he received the award in DCU on Wednesday. His mother Mairead and sister Derbhla have been great supporters, too, while Coláiste Mhuire have played a vital role.

Killian’s teacher, Ms Acton, provided support and his fellow students, who were working on different assignments, were able to assist with aspects of the project.

“A stem team was set up, so I could link in with other students who could assist with different aspects of the project,” Killian said.

A former soccer player, Killian aims to devote more time to further developing theses safety features and everyone can benefit in the future.